HE may not be Robocop but this mean machine is the newest addition to the ranks of Merseyside police.

HE may not be Robocop but this mean machine is the newest addition to the ranks of Merseyside police.

The electronic officer has been commissioned to join the force's fight against criminals.

Officers hope its very presence will help to cut crime levels and could be the first of an army of metal recruits across the region.

The so-called AV1 Cyber Cop has been placed in the Asda store in Walton and will provide shoppers with electronically programmed crime prevention advice.

Dressed like a bobby, the robot will be working full time from the store in Utting Avenue.

The move follows a police initiative in Prescot's Tesco supermarket, where a cardboard cut-out of a police officer was placed in the aisles.

Police later claimed that the sight of the police uniform helped to deter shoplifters and reduce trouble in the store. Shops at the Cables retail park, where the Tesco store is based, recorded a 32% reduction in crime.

At times, the Cyber Cop will be flanked by neighbourhood police officers Insp Mark Harrison and Sgt Dale Bradshaw while on patrol.

Its touch-screen facility can give out useful police phone numbers on request and dispense advice about how to avoid falling victim to crime.

The robot will also be able to give people information about current policing initiatives.

Sgt Bradshaw said today: "I'm sure he will cope with the demands of the job."

Store manager Louise Swift said: "The neighbourhood police officers will be regularly seen in the store offering advice to customers. We hope this will encourage customers to talk to the police and take advice on crime prevention."